Survey shows cannabis use on rise in Croatia

An analysis of differences in the prevalence of illegal drug use in the period from 2011 to 2015 does not indicate any major differences in the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sedatives (tranquillisers), however, data for 2015 point to a rise in the number of cannabis users, a news conference heard this past week.

The proportion of drug users who used marijuana increased from 16% in 2011 to 19% in 2015, according to data provided by a project on illegal drug use, conducted by the Zagreb-based Institute of Social Sciences "Ivo Pilar".

"The increase in the prevalence of cannabis consumption can be ascribed to the decriminalisation of cannabis in Croatia as well as to a public discussion on the use of marijuana for medical purposes," project leader Renata Glavak Kalic said.

One in five respondents covered by the survey said they had taken illegal drugs at least once in their life.

The most frequently taken illegal drug is cannabis (marijuana).

On the other hand, as many as 52% of respondents aged between 15 and 64 said they were against the legalisation of cannabis use.

Beirut (dpa) - Syrian government forces and their allies advanced deeper into the shrinking rebel-held enclave in eastern Aleppo on Wednesday, seizing the Old City, while demanding the armed opposition groups leave the area.